.David.Auker.

RCJoh-@attglobal.net wrote:



 The head and neck is a major source of heat loss, therefore a good

head covering is very important.

Plus, thet's were yer brains is!





Dav-id

RCJoh-@attglobal.net

You'll only need the studs if the snow has been packed down and polished

to an icy smoothness. For normal packed snow just make sure you run a

tire with sharp corners left on the knobs. A balance between open

aggressive pattern (for softer snow) and lots of edges (to grip harder

snow) is a good compromise. Don't race a new tire until the waxy mold

release has been worn off the tread.

Spray some anti-stick coating (WD-40, Pam) on your cleats and pedals to

keep the snow from packing in and jamming. Don't over spray too much

all over the bottom of your shoe or you'll have trouble off the bike.

Make sure there's no water in your cable housings or they could freeze

up. You could wind up with no shifting or locked brakes. Shimano makes

special rubber seals to prevent this contamination from occurring, check

with your LBS if your not familiar with what I'm speaking of. Lube all

movable parts well, consider a lighter weight lubricant than normal for

extended cold weather. As the temps get lower oils thicken and slow you

down. Dry lubes avoid this problem but don't block moisture as well.

Try to keep your feet dry. Wool is the best shock type (warm even if

wet). If you don't have a waterproof over sock then use plastic bags

(over your socks, inside the shoes). Go with extra protection for your

hands, cold fingers reduce your control. Arm warmers help keep the

blood supply to your hands going. If your extremities start going numb

that is your body's reaction to you not dressing warm enough. The head

and neck is a major source of heat loss, therefore a good head covering

is very important.

Aluminum handle bars will conduct heat much better than carbon.

Consider thicker grips/more tape if you ride aluminum.

You will also use up more calories keeping warm, plan accordingly.

Polar Bots work great to keep your drink from freezing. Consider

prewarming it if the ride is going to be long.



Rick

Bend



Michael Romasco wrote:



 whats the snow report for the salem race? should i run my tufos or the

studded ice tires i been iching to use? anyone have any thoughts on

battery operated sock warmers or those chemical warmers the skiiers use

in their gloves? i'm bringing a propane heater for sure!

Tashadog



To respond to the whole group send to ob-@topica.com.

To respond to the list manager send to cmur-@obra.org

To unsubscribe send to obra-uns-@topica.com